About Overwatch:
Overwatch Imaging is an imagery intelligence technology company working to bring sensor autonomy to time-critical airborne search, detection, tracking and monitoring missions. Our Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, native to our own line of purpose-built Smart Sensors and as an upgrade for airborne video gimbal platforms, brings Superhuman Vision and Workload Reduction to users of real-time imagery intelligence systems. We fundamentally believe that modern edge processing and AI-enabled autonomy can perform an important set of time-critical imagery intelligence missions better, faster and more safely than humans can alone.
Founded in 2016 in Hood River, Oregon, we support private sector companies as well as federal, state and local agencies around the world with missions ranging from wildfire mapping and disaster response to law enforcement, border security, maritime domain awareness and tactical intelligence.
About the Role:
We are seeking an aviation-centric Systems & Flight Test Analyst to join our team. This is not a traditional help desk or SaaS QA role — this position sits at the intersection of flight operations, sensor hardware integration, and real-world airborne testing. You’ll be directly involved in preparing, executing, and evaluating airborne sensor systems on small, crewed aircraft, working alongside pilots, engineers, and customers to make our airborne products safe, reliable, and mission-ready.
In this role, you will plan and support flight tests, integrate and troubleshoot sensors in aircraft environments, and operate or assist in operating payload systems (e.g., video gimbals, airborne imagers) during actual flights. You’ll also be customer-facing at times, supporting field deployments, demos, and training — so poise, communication, and professionalism matter.
If you’re excited by aviation, enjoy hands-on technical problem solving, and want to help deliver cutting-edge airborne systems used in defense, emergency response, and critical remote sensing missions, this role is for you.
What You’ll Do:
Flight & Field Testing
- Prepare for and participate in flight tests with airborne sensor systems, including payload setup, checklists, and test verification.
- Assist in integration of sensor hardware (electrical, mounting, cabling) onto aircraft prior to test flights.
- Execute test plans during airborne missions and document outcomes for engineering evaluation.
Sensor & Systems Troubleshooting
- Analyze issues from flight data, logs, and onboard systems to identify and resolve hardware or software anomalies.
- Work with hardware (electrical interfaces, data links) and software to ensure correct sensor performance in flight conditions.
Customer & Aviation Support
- Serve as a field representative during customer flights, demos, and deployments; communicate clearly with pilots, operators, and external stakeholders.
- Conduct on-site technical training or support for customers as needed.
- Support our help desk and troubleshoot issues for customers as they arise.
Quality Assurance & Collaboration
- Write and execute targeted test plans that reflect real-world airborne use cases (not just desktop tests).
- Log defects with detailed reproduction steps and flight conditions.
- Work closely with engineers to refine system design based on flight and sensor test results.
- Provide constructive feedback to product and engineering teams about recurring operational challenges.
Documentation & Knowledge Sharing
- Maintain and improve documentation for airborne test procedures, integration guides, and in-field troubleshooting tips.
- Contribute to internal knowledge base and training materials.
Who You Are:
Ideal Experience
- Experience in remote sensing, airborne payload operation, video gimbal systems, or sensor integration on aircraft or unmanned platforms.
- Comfortable working in aviation environments — including pre-flight prep, test execution, and flight “ride-along” support.
- You may be a former airborne sensor operator, flight test technician, remote sensing specialist, or someone with hands-on experience integrating sensors on aircraft.
Technical Aptitude
- Strong troubleshooting and systems-thinking skills with both hardware and software.
- Knowledge of electrical interfaces, data acquisition systems, and basic aircraft sensor hardware is a plus.
Communication & Customer Poise
- Excellent verbal and written communication. You can confidently explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders and customers.
- You represent the company in field environments — you’re personable, professional, and comfortable interacting with pilots, customers, and partners.
Organizational & Team Skills
- You manage multiple tasks effectively, prioritize under pressure, and help drive issues to resolution.
- You thrive in a dynamic, small-company environment where adaptability and cross-functional teamwork are key.
Mindset
- You’re passionate about aviation, airborne systems, and real-world testing. You’re excited to learn, grow, and contribute to product success through hands-on work.
Nice-to-Have (but Not Required)
- Prior Test Experience - experience creating and executing test cases
- Prior aviation or flight test experience (civilian or military).
- Prior ISR experience
- Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence, Service Desk, etc)
- Familiarity with remote sensing data, GIS tools, or sensor calibration procedures.
What We Offer:
- Growth Opportunities: As a team member of a true startup, you will learn by doing and shape our future. The opportunities are limitless for those who want to grow their career.
- Impact Opportunity: We work on missions that matter to keep people safe and make the world better, and we do it at the speed of a startup.
- Team Collaboration: Work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with amazing teammates. The Overwatch Imaging leadership team believes in an open-door policy, meaning everyone has a voice and access to guidance, advice, feedback, and the ability to pitch crazy new ideas.
- Late Start Wednesday: A weekly block to have focus time away from meetings and calls. An opportunity to work from home, flex your schedule or self-directed time to focus on training and development.
- Time Off: Generous unlimited PTO policy to empower employees to make decisions about work life balance based on work and home needs.
- Holidays: Overwatch Imaging recognizes 10 company holidays.
- Ownership: Equity: Stock Options in our growing company.
- Health Benefits: Medical and Dental premiums are 100% covered for employees and their families, plus a pre-tax health savings account.
- 401K Retirement Savings: Matching contributions up to 4% of pay.
- Travel: Position requires business travel up to 50% and work in and around non-commercial aircraft.
All applicants must be authorized to work on a permanent basis in the United States.
Overwatch Imaging is an equal opportunity workplace and makes employment decisions based on merit and business needs, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected personal characteristic.
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, even if they don't meet every requirement listed
in this job description. We value diversity of experience and perspectives and are always looking
for talented individuals to join our team.
Export Control Compliance Notice
This position may involve access to data, technology, or software that is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to obtain any necessary export authorization, as determined by an export compliance assessment conducted by the company.
